This month, we celebrate our teammate Petko Pavlov, who has reached a significant milestone of 10 years with our company.
Petko is a Lead System Administrator at TSD. He can be best described as a persistent and patient hard worker, with a genuine passion for computers and new technologies, guided by the mantra that “Nothing is impossible, and there is always a solution for every case.” Petko has been instrumental in ensuring a technically smooth and secure work environment for all our employees.
Meet Petko in the following interview and learn about his challenges, experiences, and the “organized chaos” of cables and networks which has been his domain for the past decade.
1. Petko, how did your journey with TSD start back in 2014? Do you remember your first day?
Before I accepted TSD’s job offer, I had been faced with a dilemma. I had 10 years of experience in the company, for which I had been working before TSD. Eventually, I just decided to stop overthinking and take a risk. And now I’m convinced that I made the right decision.
What was more interesting is that when I started, I only had two working days after which I had to go on a planned vacation. When I returned to the office, the system administrator, who was supposed to mentor me, had quit. So I found myself alone in the cable chaos. It was a challenge but I managed with a lot of hard work and reading. And I created my own new “chaos” of networks and connections.
2. What was your role in the beginning, and where are you at right now? Can you make a comparison between then and now?
I started with the plan to be a second system administrator, who would be an assistant to the main one. Currently, I’m leading the system administration team at TSD.
During the past ten years, the company’s business scope expanded. Therefore, the system administrators’ work also increased. We reorganized our work environment and workflows and created a new server network. Technologically, we advanced significantly.
3. What are the everyday challenges you face in your work, and what are the fundamental skills or personal qualities needed to deal with those challenges?
Ensuring a technically normal and peaceful working environment for all employees. I often face issues that take an entire workday to be solved.
4. What is your favorite part about working in TSD, and how does your job inspire you?
The constant learning of new technologies. I find that motivating, so I dive into the sea of innovations with interest and anticipation.
5. What is the most important lesson you have learned over the years?
Everything can be achieved with patience and hard work. Nothing is impossible, there is always a solution for every case.
6. What does it take to become a Lead System Administrator, and what would you advise the guys following your steps?
I literally started from ground zero. I had a passion for computers as early as my school years. However, I continued to work in a different field. Computers remained my hobby. I didn’t stop reading, learning, and putting what I had read into practice.
No one taught me when I started working in the field of IT. That’s why I always advise the young guys who work with me to study, think, and be consistent in what they do, never chaotic, and most of all – to be persistent.
7. Why do you choose to remain a part of the TSD team after 10 years? What has the company offered to you in terms of professional development?
In TSD, I found understanding, met old friends, and made new ones. Those things are important for building a strong and unified team.
The company offers a sufficient range of professional development opportunities. We have the chance to attend different training courses with high-class lecturers, held locally. We periodically upgrade our knowledge with courses in academies and other organizations according to the specific work field.
8. Who is Petko outside the office, and what does he like to do for fun?
I’m married, and I have two children. I love taking care of my family. We like traveling together. Our hobby is visiting the 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.
9. What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
Everyone at home being in good health. This is what’s most important for me. A new day begins, and time flies with the work responsibilities and moments spent with the kids.
10. How do you envision yourself in another 10 years?
I wish for further rich experiences, pleasant emotions, and unforgettable moments. I hope I will be even more balanced and mature. I also hope to be able to give useful advice to my children and my younger colleagues.
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